Tech tools make learning {and lesson preparation} more fun, and often more interesting. Do you know these favorite tech tools of mine? 1. Classtools for QR Code Scavenger Hunts QR codes can be spectacularly fun in class, and Classtools has a particularly cool trick for teachers. Just type in a series
Buffer facilitates sharing. Its tagline – “A Smarter Way to Share” – reveals its mission. If you are (or want to be) a thought leader, have a multi-pronged social media presence, or just seek a pretty way to share information, Buffer can help with that. Recently, I read about Buffer and
Educators need specific resources and strategies for teaching gifted kids, and I could (and do) spend days and days on helping them find those resources an develop those strategies. (See my Speaking page for more on that). This post came about when I received an email from a reader who wrote
What parent isn’t looking for free, terrific summer activities for kids? And who better than the Mensa Foundation to come up with brain-tastic ideas? (In the interest of full disclosure, I work for the Mensa Foundation and created this. That’s okay, right?) If you’re looking for totally awesome things to
Oh, oh, oh. I loved Top Dog. I have used something from this book at least once a week since I’ve read it. I actually waited to write this review because I was worried I would be too ridiculous in my praise. So it’s been six months, and it’s still
We’ve long believed you’re either creative or you’re not, but that’s simply not true. Encouraging children’s creativity (which often means preventing the world from driving it out of them) is as crucial as their cognitive development. I wrote an article for the Mensa Bulletin on this, and you are welcome
Tiering and compacting as differentiation strategies are underused because they’re intimidating. They needn’t be! This is an introduction to them that I think may help teachers understand them and (most importantly) be willing to try them! The two mistakes teachers make that prevents them from effective tiering and compacting are:
PowerPoint Countdown Timer Slides are slidedecks that automatically count down, advancing without clicking. They’re great for teachers who want students to be able to track progress and manage their time. While there are PowerPoint timers available, this is different in that there is an editable text box that allows teachers
Sleep is a constant struggle for many adults and kids, and it’s a key issue with the gifted, whose minds tend to spin out of control exactly when they need sleep the most. I wrote this article for the Mensa Bulletin that explores how (and why) to get a good
The best math resources are those that are also free! If you’ve got a mathemaniac, have I got some great free resources for you. Many mathematicians agree that probability and statistics are under-taught in schools, especially in light of their use in everyday life. The Web site for the Actuarial
I think Joel Stein should join Mensa, and here’s why. First, let’s just take a moment to admire and respect the wonder that is Anderson Cooper. He is smart. He is very good-looking. He has class. He has style. He has better shoes than anyone I know. He is most
Confession: I loathe Accelerated Reader. Perhaps the title of this post was a spoiler. My friend Jen Marten wrote this terrific article about what’s wrong with Accelerated Reader. I would like to add a few points to her wonderful list. Much has been written about the problems with Accelerated Reader,
